This post was submitted by Project MEOW, the West Philly-based volunteer-run cat rescue organization.

Cats are often generalized as mysterious or capricious animals. While humans have lived with cats for thousands of years, sometimes the communication methods or body language of cats can seem strange. Knowing what a cat is saying with its tail, eyes, and ears is instrumental to any interaction you have with them, whether its coaxing a stray out of hiding, handling a scared or distressed cat, or simply hanging out with your pet at home. Like any other relationship, communication is key to bonding and building trust.

When dealing with an unfamiliar or anxious cat, knowing its warning signs is crucial to help meet the needs of the cat, and make sure no one gets hurt in the exchange. A scared or anxious cat will often flatten its ears back and its tail may either thump up and down or stand straight up, Halloween style. When a cat is sending these signals, along with hissing or growling, stay away! Prolonged direct eye contact also means that cat is sizing you up. While eye contact may be a sign of intimacy and connection for humans, its probably best not to stare directly at an unhappy cat. The best way to calm down an aggressive cat is to simply leave it alone. Turn the lights off and provide a safe space for the cat to relax and feel safe before you try to interact again. If you are trying to build a bond with an unfamiliar cat, this may take some patience!  Continue Reading

Philadelphia public libraries will hold an array of special events throughout February in honor of Black History Month. This Saturday, Feb. 2., Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library (52nd and Sansom), in collaboration with the African American Museum, is hosting a Cultural Institution Resource and Information Fair.

The public is invited to learn more about local African-American historical and cultural institutions and get informed about their programs, activities and volunteer opportunities. Representatives from the following organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions:  Continue Reading

Since the beginning of this month, PennDOT has been doing rehabilitation work on Grays Ferry Avenue Bridge, which connects the Kingsessing neighborhood in Southwest Philly with the Grays Ferry neighborhood on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. The bridge was built in 1976 and includes four lanes of traffic in both directions.

Here’s what motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians should expect in the next couple of years (the entire bridge rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in late 2020).  Continue Reading

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell has scheduled another community meeting about the future of the former Provident Insurance Co. building at 46th and Market. The previous meeting discussing the proposed sale of the property to local developer Iron Stone Real Estate Partners took place last month, after which Blackwell halted a vote on the sale in City Council. The previous community meeting called for more transparency in the sale process.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 6 – 8 p.m. at West Philadelphia High School (49th and Chestnut).

The Walnut Hill Community Association also held a community meeting about the proposed development of the property earlier this month. Read more about it here.

Right in the middle of the cold season, a new urgent care center has opened in the University City District area. “vybe urgent care,” an independent operator of urgent care centers in greater Philadelphia, has opened its newest location at 3550 Market St.

“We believe the diversity of West Philadelphia is one of its greatest strengths, and we look forward to serving the diverse healthcare needs of this community,” vybe urgent care President Peter Hotz said in a statement.  Continue Reading

West Philly artists are invited to The Rotunda (40th and Walnut) for a couple of events this month – a planning meeting for a community arts project, and a tax workshop.

The community arts project, “When I am the Princess,” will take place on Saturday, March 9 when artists will have the opportunity to read, sing, perform, dance, show and/or exhibit at The Rotunda. The first planning meeting for the project will be this Saturday, Jan. 26, 2:00-3:30 p.m. (the second meeting is on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m.).  Continue Reading